The Red List
of Endangered Crafts
From blacksmithing to basketry, from weaving to woodturning, we have an incredible range of heritage craft skills in the UK and some of the best craftspeople in the world. But many of these skills are in the hands of individuals who have been unable to make provision to pass them on.
The Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts, first published in 2017, was the first report of its kind to rank traditional crafts by the likelihood they would survive to the next generation, based on intangible cultural heritage safeguarding principles, led by Heritage Crafts, the only UK UNESCO-accredited NGO working primarily in the domain of traditional craftsmanship.
Donate to save an endangered craft (Ā£5 for the 5th edition)
The list attracted extensive media coverage both in the UK and abroad, shining a light on heritage craft practices under threat from a number of identifiable issues. It is our hope that this research will act as a call to action to those who have it within their power to resolve or alleviate these issues, and that this project will mark the start of long-term monitoring of heritage craft viability and a shared will to avoid the cultural loss that is borne each time a craft dies.
Heritage Crafts is committed to updating the list on a regular basis, and so, with support from the Pilgrim Trust, over 900 organisations and individuals were contacted directly by email and telephone and invited to contribute to the research between September 2024 and May 2025. Participants were asked to provide background information about each craft, such as its history, techniques and local forms, as well as current information relating to the number of skilled craftspeople and trainees, and the ongoing issues affecting the viability of the craft, including the effects of the current energy crisis.
Each craft was then classified into one of four categories of endangerment using a combination of both objective criteria (such as numbers of crafts people and trainees) and subjective criteria (issues affecting the future viability of the craft including training opportunities and market trends). Issues affecting the viability of heritage crafts vary on a craft-by-craft basis, though many can be grouped, and possible solutions devised that will help many crafts practices become more viable.
For the purposes of this research, a heritage craft is defined as āa practice which employs manual dexterity and skill and an understanding of traditional materials, design and techniques, and which has been practised for two or more successive generationsā. The research focuses on craft practices which are taking place in the UK at the present time, including those crafts which have originated elsewhere, and on those aspects of each craft with a high reliance on hand-work and which involve high levels of hand skill.
If you have any queries about the research, are aware of a heritage craft that is not listed, or have further information to add about any craft, please contact [email protected].
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Craft skills under threat with 17 additions to the Red List of Endangered Crafts
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#matchMAKER opportunity!
Trainee Master Setter
Location: London
Budrevich Fine Jewellery is a trusted partner of several of Londonās most recognised, respected and established jewellery brands, who also undertake a wide range of commissions for private clients. Operating from their purpose-built, cutting-edge workshop in Hatton Garden, they are recruiting a trainee diamond micro-setter who is looking to master the craft.
You would be joining a small, specialist, expert team of master jewellers who are at the forefront of jewellery design and manufacturing. The role is open to setters, mounters or goldsmiths of all levels who possess a keen eye for detail, have a desire to learn and, most importantly, a genuine passion for making the very finest jewellery.
Find out how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
Calling all aspiring saddle makers, side saddle makers, bridle makers, harness makers and collar makers! š
Are you looking to master your craft, refine your skills, or undertake specialist training, yet canāt afford to get the skills training you need? We want to hear from you.
Applications for our 2026 training bursaries supported by the @saddlerscompany.saddlershall are closing on Friday 30 March.
Donāt miss the chance to take your skills to the next level. Funding is limited, so prepare your application early!
Linktr.ee in bio to apply or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/bursaries/saddlery-bursary/
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Willow weaver
Location: Suffolk
Deadline: 4 March 2026
Heritage Willow @heritagewillow are a small group of talented, traditional weavers who specialise in constructing continuous willow fences. Due to continued growth in demand for their work, they are expanding their weaving team this Spring by recruiting a willow weaver (either full time or part time).
No prior experience is necessary, as full training will be provided, though the successful candidate will need to be:
-Resilient and hard working.
-Reliable and a team player.
-Happy working outdoors in all weathers.
-Practical and good with their hands.
-Have excellent attention to detail.
-Positive, polite and professional.
Heritage Willow is based in Suffolk, with their farm HQ near Debenham. The majority of their work sites are local, between Ipswich, Norwich and the East Anglian Coast. This role would suit somebody within this area who can drive and has access to their own car. Occasionally, work is taken on across the country and there would be an expectation that you would participate in these projects which involve travel and overnight stays.
This is physically demanding but rewarding and creative work using traditional weaving techniques to build bespoke, beautiful willow fencing.
The role will be for an initial 6-month period with the potential for a long-term position thereafter.
Find out how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Trainee pointe shoe maker
Location: Leicester
The Suffolk Pointe Shoe Company are recruiting for a trainee pointe shoe maker. You will receive full hands-on training and the chance to master a unique craft and contribute to world-class ballet pointe shoes.
What you will do:
-Learning and applying each step of the shoe-making process.
-Working at your own workstation, using traditional methods.
-Using hand tools such as hammers, scissors, brushes, and knives.
-Handling tacks, adhesives, and shoe lasts (foot forms).
-Reading and following order tickets accurately.
-Meeting quality and production targets in a fast-paced environment
Find out how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
Ready to take your stained glass skills to the next level? šØāØ
Heritage Crafts in partnership with the British Society of Master Glass Painters @bsmgp, is now accepting applications for training bursaries of up to Ā£4,000 in our craft-specific round!
Whether you are a newcomer looking to break into the industry or an early-career maker facing financial hurdles, this bursary is designed to help you gain the skills of stained glass making, painting, and conservation.
š Apply now via the linktr.ee in our bio or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/bursaries/stained-glass-bursary/
Deadline: 5pm, Friday 30 March.
#stainedglass #heritagecrafts #glasspainting #creativecareers #UKcrafts
Over three posts we are profiling three additional recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Kelsey Moray Luke @wearemorayluke, from South Wales, taught herself leatherworking during the pandemic, using her newfound skills of cutting, shaping, stitching and finishing to launch her own accessories brand using sustainable materials such as fish leather. Her bursary is funding training with Toby Thomas of @ottely bespoke leatherwork studio, focusing on advanced appliquƩ techniques using leather waste.
Kelseyās bursary is supported by @heritagefunduk and made possible by players of the National Lottery.
Kelsey said: āI find leatherwork quite intensive and so I wish to utilise stamping as a technique that will be easier on my joints (more ergonomic). Whilst my fish leather products are amazing, I have to get outside help, so acquiring this technique will allow me to do everything in house.ā
This weekās #mondaymaker is Susan Green @boundbyhand – a bookbinder.
Susan has made books for over sixteen years for individuals, venues, brands and charities all over the world. Focusing on natural materials, archival bindings and simplicity of design, she creates books which are pleasurable to use, enjoyable to own, extremely functional, and above all, designed and bound by hand to last a lifetime. Susan has also taught other learners and enjoys mentoring creatives who wish to expand their practice.
View Susanās full profile on our makerās directory: https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/maker/boundbyhand/
#heritagecrafts #mondaymaker #bookbinding
Calling all aspiring riggers, fender makers, rope makers and net makers! ā
Are you looking to master your craft, refine your skills, or undertake specialist training, yet canāt afford to get the skills training you need? We want to hear from you.
Applications for our 2026 training bursaries supported by the International Guild of Knot Tyers are closing on Friday 30 March.
Applications can include rope and twine crafts related to either the sea and inland waterways.
Donāt miss the chance to take your craftsmanship to the next level. Funding is limited, so prepare your application early!
Linktr.ee in bio to apply or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/our-stories/announcements/maritime-rope-and-twine-bursary/
